Book Review: Tuesdays with Morrie By Mitch Albom

I normally write my book reviews down in my notebook, but I think if I can get just one person to give this one a read, it would be worth sharing my thoughts.

Mitch Albom is my favourite author, and Tuesdays with Morrie is easily one of the most meaningful books I have ever read. What makes it so special isn’t just the story, it’s Morrie Schwartz himself. Morrie has a way of talking about life’s most difficult topics, like death, aging, love, and happiness, with a calmness and lightness that feels effortless. He shares his wisdom in a way that is human, honest, and deeply relatable, that ability to speak so clearly and compassionately about things most of us avoid is something we can all learn from. The lessons Morrie shares are quite generic in a way, but that is exactly why they are so powerful. From my perspective they are universal, and depending on where you are in life, they can take on completely different meanings. A conversation about love or happiness may show differently when you are starting your career versus when you are navigating more personal challenges. That timelessness is part of why this book continues to resonate and why it can speak to anyone, at any point in life - which is also why I've read it more than once!

The book itself is an easy read, but it carries large insight. Morrie encourages reflection, pushes you to slow down, and reminds you of what really matters. It feels like a personal conversation, and his perspective is something anyone can take to heart.

Another reason I admire Mitch Albom, beyond his writing, is his humanitarian work. After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, he became deeply involved in rebuilding communities, supporting access to clean water, food, and education. He has helped fund schools and orphanages and used his platform to raise awareness and funds for long-term relief. It is inspiring to see an author put his values into action in such a meaningful way, and it is something I would love to be a part of in the future.

Tuesdays with Morrie is more than just a memoir. It’s a book about living with intention, loving fully, and approaching life’s challenges with calm and grace. Every time you read it, there’s something new to take away. Combined with Mitch Albom’s real-world impact, it’s easy to see why he’s one of my favorite authors. Below are some of my favourite quotes from the book, and what I think they mean.

“The culture we have does not make people feel good about themselves. And you have to be strong enough to say if the culture doesn’t work, don’t buy it. Don’t follow the rules blindly. Don’t measure your worth by what the world says. Create your own values, your own happiness, your own sense of purpose. That’s what freedom really is."

Don’t let society or popular opinion decide your worth - create your own values, happiness, and purpose. True freedom comes from living by what matters to you, not what others expect.

“Unlike Morrie I believe it would be easier to be asleep when I'm dying. He wanted to be conscious and alone.”

Morrie is saying that when he dies, he wants to stay fully aware of the process - to experience it consciously and reflect on life, rather than “escaping” through sleep or unconsciousness. Being conscious allows him to face death with dignity, say goodbye to life, and make the most of his final moments.

“So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”

Many people stay “half-asleep” chasing things that don’t matter. True meaning comes from love, community, and doing work that matters.